Repairing/cleaning a NES

[AJW]

Buy a can of switch cleaning lubricant and some cotton buds the SCL will get the accumulated grime off the contacts on the cartridge much better then a rubber. Using matches you can also use it on the 72 pin connecter in the NES it won’t be as good as replacing it but it sure helps.

[shakingspear]

[ QUOTE ]
1) Buy a replacement 72-pin connecter
2) Buy a 3.8 MM security screw bit
3) Install the new connector
4) Open the games and use an eraser on the contacts

The items in steps 1 and 2 can be found on eBay or a few other sources.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a really cheap and easy way to take care of it. There are some electronic stores online that sell the 72 pin connector.

I was worried about taking the NES apart because I'm not very handy. But it was pretty simple.

[Cry Me A River]

The original NES is very easy to take apart with a regular (Phillips) screwdriver.

You can either replace the 72 pin connector OR give it a thorough clearing. Also be sure to clean all carts really, really well.

If the connector is still finicky after cleaning, you can try to straighten the pins out a bit. A small slotted jeweler's screwdriver works well for this but you can also use a needle (etc). Bend the pins slightly towards the center so they'll make a better connection with the cartridge. If you do this too well, it'll wind up being really sensitive and your machine may wind up being able to (or only able to) play cartridges without clicking them down.

Never, ever blow on cartridges this just makes your problems worse in the long run!

I fixed dozens of these back in the day, when I was really active on eBay. Post if you need any more help.

[JaredL]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
1) Buy a replacement 72-pin connecter
2) Buy a 3.8 MM security screw bit
3) Install the new connector
4) Open the games and use an eraser on the contacts

The items in steps 1 and 2 can be found on eBay or a few other sources.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a really cheap and easy way to take care of it. There are some electronic stores online that sell the 72 pin connector.

I was worried about taking the NES apart because I'm not very handy. But it was pretty simple.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, but now your warranty is completely shot.

[Falc]

Thanks for the suggestions all. First I'm gonna try and clean it and (if necessary) bend the pins as CMAR said. If it still doesn't work I might buy an 72-pin connector if I can it and it's not too much of a hassle (I live in Europe). I'm probably gonna give it a shot later today, I'll post a trip report/questions later on.